After his resurrection, Jesus appears to a group of his disciples gathered on Mount Olivet. They ask him if the time has finally come for him to restore the kingdom of Israel. However, Jesus tells them that it is not the Father's wish that they should know the time. Instead, he promises to send them the Holy Spirit, which will make them witnesses in all corners of the world. Soon after this conversation, Jesus ascends to heaven in a cloud. As they are gazing up at the ascending Jesus, two men in white robes suddenly appear and stand by them. These two men tell them that Jesus will come back the same way they had seen him go into heaven. The disciples decide to go back to Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away to join other disciples and apostles. When they reach home, they all go to the room upstairs where they constantly hold prayers with other members of their community, among whom are Mary the mother of Jesus as well as his brothers.

There is a sense in which there is calm, peace and tranquility among the disciples upon witnessing the ascension and the assurance of the two men in white robes that Jesus will come back again. In the meantime, he will send them the Holy Spirit to guide them. They realize that they are neither alone nor 'orphaned' after all.

In the next reading, Peter is encouraging a community of believers not to lose hope in the face of difficulties; instead, he assures them that whatever ordeal they are undergoing is nothing but a test to try their faith. He says that just as Jesus suffered, they should endure the same in the hope that they will eventually get to enjoy in Jesus' glory and kingdom. He teaches them that if they are reviled for the sake of Christ, then they are blessed because the Spirit of God is upon them. He goes on to teach them to humble themselves before God so that they may be exalted in the fullness of time.

He further says that they should not worry, but trust God who cares for everyone. He advises them to be alert so as not to fall prey to the temptation of the devil whose sole purpose is to look for someone to devour. The most trusted weapon to fight the devil is steadfast faith. He preaches about suffering and how it can be redemptive. After suffering for a little while, God will restore, support, strengthen and establish them because power belongs to him always. Peter's message stresses the need to have faith for a better future in spite of difficulties and challenges because he is a caring God.

The final reading is predicated upon the 'farewell' message of Jesus as he transitions to the heavenly life. He says the work that his Father sent him to do on earth is finished. He invokes the authority that the Father gave him to bestow eternal life upon those who would like to experience it. Jesus seems to be giving an account of his work on earth; he glorified the Father by finishing the work he was sent to do and now he is asking his Father to glorify him in his presence in return with the same kind of glory he had before the earth came into existence. Jesus is petitioning God to protect his people even as they are remaining in the world. He prays that the community of believers may remain one, just like he is one with the Father. Unity among God's people is his final wish as he departs the world.

1After Jesus had spoken these words [to his disciples], he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.

6“I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. 10All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.”

PRAYER REQUESTS

Names will remain of the Prayer List for a month - at which

time it will be taken off unless, or course, there is still a continued need

for our prayers and we’re asked to keep the name on.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

***We are in need of Ushers this Sunday, May 28th .

***Tonight, Thursday, May 25, 6:30-8:00 pm, Bemus Point Library is hosting an evening of discussion regarding quality childcare for parents and caregivers of young children. Beth Starks, Director of Chautauqua Lake Child Care Center, will provide an educational and interactive presentation about making one of the most important decisions in your children’s life. The event will be held in the Bemus Point Library Conference Room.

***Evangelism Ministry Food Pantry Drive, is Sunday, June 4th . You are asked to bring in non-perishable food and personal care items (no expired items please), paper products, laundry detergent, etc. to be donated to the Bemus Point Food Pantry.

***The Social Ministry is hosting its annual Kitchen Shower, Sunday, June 11th. See the June Church Mouse for details!